Rolfe returns to MLS, Chicago Fire

Chris Rolfe is back in MLS and with the same team he last played for before trying his hand in Europe.

Rolfe rejoined the Chicago Fire after spending the last three seasons with Danish club Aalborg BK, the Fire announced Monday. Terms of Rolfe's new deal with the Fire were not disclosed as per club and league policy, but it was announced that he and Aalborg mutually parted ways prior to his arrival in Chicago.

The 29-year-old's return brings him back to the club where he first started his professional career in 2005. Rolfe is Chicago's second all-time leading scorer, having scored 40 goals while delivering 20 assists in 149 games across all competitions for the Fire.

Rolfe appeared 32 times and scored six goals in his three seasons with Aalborg. He will be available for selection for head coach Frank Klopas in Chicago's upcoming match versus Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday.

What do you think of Rolfe returning to MLS/Chicago? Expecting him to be an imposing figure in the league again? Where should Klopas play Rolfe?

28 Responses to Rolfe returns to MLS, Chicago Fire

Great news, always thought it was a joke that Chicago let this guy go (most likely low balling him) while at the same time giving Justin Mapp $250k-ish.
Being a MLS supporter more then supporting one particular team, it was pretty obvious that MLS/Chicago cheaped out and in so doing MLS fan lost a quality american soccer player

Its great to see Rolfe return, he is one of the better Fire players to don the red – that being said, where’s he going to play? We are pretty stacked going forward, with Oduro, Nyarko, Pappa and Grazini.

Quality player, glad to have him back in the league.
I thought he should have been called in by Klinsmann to the last January camp. Hopefully he can perform well enough to get an invite to the next one.

Solid, familiar pick up for the Fire. Surprising that Rolfe is returning. He supposedly had some interest from other teams in and outside Europe. He played well but battled some injuries at AaB. if I remember correctly, foreigners in Denmark earn some ridiculous tax breaks for 3 years but once that comes to an end, they skyrocket. So most of the foreign players become expendable or move on to other leagues. I can only assume this played a role in AaB being able to mutually cancel the remaining few months on his deal.

With the exception of Dave Sarachan’s time in Chicago, Rolfe got slotted into a midfield role for most of his career with the Fire and Aalborg. He played forward well enough in his rookie season to be a starter and be runner-up to Parkhurst for rookie of the year honors. His natural position as always been as a striker.

I would love to see him start but since he’s made of glass it’s probably smarter to have him come off the bench. I think a Rolfe Puppo paring in the late stages could be dangerous..especially after Oduro and Nyarko run at defenses for 65 minutes and miss 30 clear opportunities to score.

If only Oduro and Nyarko could finish like Rolfe… If only Rolfe had their speed and durability

Rolfe’s goal against AC Milan in 2005 converted me from a soccer fan to a Fire fan. Before that, I didn’t rate the league at all… I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way.

The rest of his playing career is what iced it for me, though. He’s got drive, tons of class, and a booming shot from distance. It’ll be interesting to see where Frankie plays him. I’m very stoked to see the next match!

He did show growth as a midfielder, though. He developed a booming shot with a lightning quick release that made him a threat from 25 and out. That growth is one of the things I liked the most about him – even playing a bit out of position he was able to contribute and build on his game. Looking forward to his contributions to the new-look Fire.

Will never forget his performance (as a rookie) against DC United in the first playoff leg. Totally smoked us in the first half as I recall. First young player I saw live that I thought, man, this league has gotten better. Happy to see him back.

I don’t think Rolfe is in the USMNT player pool, so that could be the reason he doesn’t have to go through the allocation process. There’s also a rule that the MLS team that last offered a contract while his last contract was expiring still owns his rights.